Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is viral respiratory illness first
reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It is caused by a
coronavirus called MERS-CoV. Most people who
have been confirmed to have MERS-CoV infection developed severe acute
respiratory illness.
They had fever, cough, and shortness of breath. More than
30% of these people died.
So
far, all the cases have been linked to countries in the Arabian Peninsula. This
virus has spread from ill people to others through close contact, such as caring
for or living with an infected person. However, there is no evidence of
sustained spreading in community settings.
On May 2, 2014, the first U.S. case of MERS was confirmed in a traveler from
Saudi Arabia to the U.S. The traveler is considered to be fully recovered and
has been released from the hospital. Public health officials have contacted
healthcare workers, family members, and travelers who had close contact with the
patient. At this time, none of these contacts has had evidence of being infected
with MERS-CoV.
On May 11, 2014, a second U.S. imported case of MERS was confirmed in a
traveler who also came to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia. This patient is currently
hospitalized and doing well. People who had close contact with this patient are
being contacted. The two U.S. cases are not linked.
CDC and other public health partners continue to investigate and respond to
the changing situation to prevent the spread of MERS-CoV in the U.S. These two
cases of MERS imported to the U.S. represent a very low risk to the general
public in this country.
CDC continues to closely monitor the MERS situation globally and work with
partners to better understand the risks of this virus, including the source, how
it spreads, and how infections might be prevented. CDC recognizes the potential
for MERS-CoV to spread further and cause more cases globally and in the U.S. We
have provided information for travelers and are working with health departments,
hospitals, and other partners to prepare for this.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is MERS?
A: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a
viral respiratory illness. MERS is caused by a
coronavirus called “Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV).
Q: What is MERS-CoV?
A: MERS-CoV is a beta
coronavirus. It was first reported in 2012
in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV used to be called “novel coronavirus,” or “nCoV”. It
is different from other coronaviruses that have been found in people
before.
Q: How was the name selected?
Countries With Lab-Confirmed MERS Cases
Countries in the Arabian Peninsula with Cases
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Qatar
- Oman
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Yemen
Countries with Travel-associated Cases
- United Kingdom (UK)
- France
- Tunisia
- Italy
- Malaysia
- United States of America (USA)
en español
For information about cases and deaths by country, visit
World Health Organization (WHO)![External Web Site Icon]( "External Web Site Icon")
Q: Is MERS-CoV the same as the SARS
virus?
A: No. MERS-CoV is not the same coronavirus that
caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003. However, like the SARS
virus, MERS-CoV is most similar to coronaviruses found in bats. CDC is still
learning about MERS.
Q: What are the symptoms of MERS?
A: Most people who got infected with MERS-CoV
developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and
shortness of breath. 30% of them died. Some people were reported as having a
mild respiratory illness.
Q: Does MERS-CoV spread from person to
person?
A: MERS-CoV has been shown to spread between
people who are in close contact.[
1] Transmission from infected patients to
healthcare personnel has also been observed. Clusters of cases in several
countries are being investigated.
Q: What is the source of MERS-CoV?
A: We don’t know for certain where the virus came
from. However, it likely came from an animal source. In addition to humans,
MERS-CoV has been found in camels in Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and a bat in
Saudi Arabia. Camels in a few other countries have also tested positive for
antibodies to MERS-CoV, indicating they were previously infected with MERS-CoV
or a closely related virus. However, we don’t know whether camels are the source
of the virus. More information is needed to identify the possible role that
camels, bats, and other animals may play in the transmission of
MERS-CoV.
Q: Is CDC
concerned?
A: Yes, CDC is concerned about MERS-CoV. Most
people who have been confirmed to have MERS-CoV infection developed severe acute
respiratory illness. They had fever, cough, and shortness of breath. About 30%
of these people died. Also, in other countries, the virus has spread from person
to person through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected
person. CDC recognizes the potential for the virus to spread further and cause
more cases globally, including in the United States.
Q: Has anyone in the
United States gotten infected?
A: Yes, on May 2, 2014, the first confirmed case
of MERS-CoV was reported in a traveler to the United States. This is the only
confirmed case in the United States.
Read more.
Q: What is CDC doing
about the first case of MERS in the United States?
A: CDC works 24/7 to protect people’s health. It
is the job of CDC to be concerned and move quickly whenever there is a potential
public health problem. CDC is working very quickly to investigate this first
U.S. case of MERS and ensure that Americans are safe. We expect to learn much
more in the coming hours and days. We will share updated information through
this website.
CDC is also closely monitoring the MERS situation globally. We are working
with WHO and other partners to better understand the virus, how it spreads, the
source, and risks to the public’s health. CDC is engaged in the following
ways:
- CDC developed molecular diagnostics that will allow scientists to accurately
identify MERS cases. CDC also developed assays to detect MERS-CoV antibodies.
These lab tests will help scientists tell whether a person is, or has been,
infected with MERS-CoV. CDC will evaluate genetic sequences as they are
available, which will help scientists further describe the characteristics of
MERS-CoV.
- As part of routine public health preparedness in the United States, CDC has
provided MERS-CoV testing kits to state health departments so they can test for
patients under investigation for MERS-CoV infection. CDC also developed Interim Guidance for Health Professionals.
This includes case definitions, and guidance for
evaluating patients, reporting cases to CDC, infection control in healthcare settings,
preparedness, caring for MERS patients at home, and handling clinical specimens.
- CDC is offering recommendations to travelers when needed. CDC is also
helping to assess ill travelers returning from affected areas.
- In addition, CDC has participated in several international public health
investigations of MERS. CDC continues to provide advice and laboratory
diagnostic support to countries in the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding region.
Q: Am I at risk for
MERS-CoV Infection in the United States?
A: You are not considered to be at risk for
MERS-CoV infection if you have not had close contact, such as caring for or
living with someone who is being evaluated for MERS-CoV infection.
Q: Can I still travel to countries in
the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries where MERS cases have
occurred?
A: Yes. CDC does not recommend that anyone change
their travel plans because of MERS. The current CDC travel notice is an Alert
(Level 2), which provides special precautions for travelers. Because spread of
MERS has occurred in healthcare settings, the alert advises travelers going to
countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula to provide health care services to
practice CDC’s recommendations for infection control of confirmed or suspected
cases and to monitor their health closely. Travelers who are going to the area
for other reasons are advised to follow standard precautions, such as hand
washing and avoiding contact with people who are ill.
For more information, see CDC’s travel notice on
MERS in the Arabian Peninsula.
Q: What if I recently traveled to
countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries and got sick?
A: If you develop a fever and symptoms of
respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after
traveling from countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries[
2], you should see your healthcare provider
and mention your recent travel.
Q: How can I help protect myself?
A: CDC advises that people follow these tips to
help prevent respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young
children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw
the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating
utensils, with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and
doorknobs.
Q: Is there a vaccine?
A: No, but CDC is discussing with partners the
possibility of developing one.
Q: What are the treatments?
A: There are no specific treatments recommended
for illnesses caused by MERS-CoV. Medical care is supportive and to help relieve
symptoms.
Q: Is there a lab test?
A: Lab tests (polymerase chain reaction or PCR)
for MERS-CoV are available at state health departments, CDC, and some
international labs. Otherwise, MERS-CoV tests are not routinely available. There
are a limited number of commercial tests available, but these are not
FDA-approved.
Q: What should healthcare providers and
health departments do?
A: For recommendations and guidance on the case
definitions; infection control, including personal protective equipment
guidance; home care and isolation; case investigation; and specimen collection
and shipment, see
Interim Guidance for Health
Professionals.
Posts
